"I think it's great that in recent years it has become more and more popular to mark St George's Day.

A member of the public waves a St George's Cross flag

"I'm very proud to be English and I think it is important that people in England can celebrate St George's Day, just as other nations of the United Kingdom celebrate their patron saint's days.

Despite the recent figures, a number of people across the country did show patriotism today as soldiers from 12 and 47 regiment of the Royal Artillery marched through St Peter's Square in Emsworth with the flag of St George while Number 10 raised the flag as a sign of the day.

A giant cross was unfurled on Nottingham Town Hall while of children Thorney Island waved flags as a procession passed in Sussex.